Did You Know? Some people report a fishy smell after supplementing with L carnitine. This happens because certain gut bacteria convert carnitine to trimethylamine, a malodorous compound found in rotting fish. L carnitine supplements can cause a fishy odor in the breath, sweat, and urine. This is likely due to the formation of trimethylamine (TMA). TMA is also responsible for the pungent smell of Trimethylaminuria, or fish odour syndrome is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. The body is unable to turn a strong smelling chemical called trimethylamine produced in the gut when Amazon.com: Nutricost Acetyl L Carnitine (ALCAR) 500mg, 180 Capsules, 180 Servings Non GMO and Gluten Free, 1 Capsule per Serving : Everything Else Carnitine, Choline, Cancer, & Cholesterol: The TMAO Connection